More by Sam Carchidi

MONTREAL _ Ian Laperriere, the Flyers' gritty right winger, is expected to return to the lineup Saturday afternoon against Montreal, a club source said Friday.

Laperriere skated on a line with Blair Betts and Darroll Powe at Friday's practice. He has been sidelined since April 22, when he blocked a slap shot against New Jersey and suffered a bruised brain, a broken orbital bone and a concussion. He needed nearly 70 stitches to repair a cut above his right eye.

Jeff Carter, recovering from a broken foot, also skated at Friday's practice and scored on a wraparound goal. He looked to be regaining his form, but is still doubtful for Saturday.

"But you never know," said one club source, smiling coyly.

Laperriere, the Flyers said, has been cleared by a neurologist to play.

"He gives us a veteran presence, and he's very energetic in the locker room and on the ice," said center Danny Briere, who called Laperriere the Flyers' best penalty killer. "...And obviously he's tough to play against."

The Flyers would not allow Laperriere or Carter to talk to the media.

The Flyers have a 2-1 series lead over Montreal in the Eastern Conference finals. Saturday's game is at the Bell Centre at 3 p.m. on NBC.